Filter candle apparatus

ABSTRACT

A filter candle apparatus is provided comprising an elongated mesh pack defining an axial opening therethrough and having an end cap fixedly secured to one end and an end fitting fixedly secured to the opposite end, the end fitting defining an opening therethrough which is coaxial with the axial opening of the mesh pack, a hollow core tube defining a plurality of openings therein positioned within the axial opening of the mesh pack and being removably slidable therethrough, the core tube having an end member surrounding one end thereof that engage the end fitting of the mesh pack, a ring-shaped bearing recessedly held within and by the end fitting of the mesh pack and engaging the core tube proximate the end member, and an outer guard defining apertures therein adjacently surrounding the mesh pack.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to filtration devices, and moreparticularly to filter media material for polymer filtration.

Various apparatuses exist within the prior art relating to filter mediamaterial for polymer filtration. Such apparatuses utilize a metalfiltration media in order to obtain the desired characteristics forpolymer filtration. Typical properties desired for such filtrationrelate to strength, temperature, chemical resistance and mediamigration. Various structures of metal filtration media can be utilizedin apparatuses designed for polymer filtration, and numerous factors canbe considered when evaluating the various media.

There are various types of filter elements utilizing different types offilter media including flat filters, candle and basket filters, and discfilters. In the art of filter candles, it has been common in the past toprovide some of the filtration components as an integral unit in orderto prevent leakage therebetween. As a result, cleaning of the filtrationcomponents is quite difficult, and a problem with a specific componentof the filtration device means replacement of all components which arean integral part thereof.

In light of the prior art filtration devices, there exists much room forimprovement in the art of filter elements for polymer filtration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a novelfiltration device for polymer filtration.

It is another object of this invention to provide a filter candleapparatus with improved characteristics and features.

These as well as other objects are accomplished by a filter candleapparatus comprising an elongated mesh pack defining an axial openingtherethrough and having an end cap fixedly secured to one end and an endfitting secured to an opposite end, a hollow core tube defining aplurality of openings therein positioned within the axial opening of themesh pack and being removably slidable therethrough, a ring-shapedbearing recessedly held within and by an end fitting of the mesh packand engaging the core tube proximate the end member, and an outer guarddefining apertures therein adjacently surrounding the mesh pack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 of the drawings is an assembly view of a filter candle apparatusaccording to this invention illustrating the individual components.

FIG. 2 of the drawings is a perspective view of a filter candleapparatus according to this invention shown partially assembled.

FIG. 3 of the drawings is an elevational side view in partial section ofa filter candle apparatus according to this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with this invention, it has been found that a novelfiltration device for polymer filtration can be provided. It has alsobeen found that according to this invention, a filter candle apparatuswith improved characteristics and features can be provided. Furtheradvantages and features will become apparent from a reading of thefollowing description given with reference to the various figures ofdrawings.

FIG. 1 of the drawings is an assembly view of a filter candle apparatus10 according to this invention. As illustrated, filter candle apparatus10 comprises three completely separable components with mesh pack 12illustrated in the middle of the assembly view. Mesh pack 12 iselongated and defines an axial opening 13 therethrough. An end cap 14 isfixedly secured to one end of mesh pack 12 and an end fitting 16 isfixedly secured to an end opposite end cap 14. End fitting 16 defines anopening 18 therethrough which is coaxial with axial opening 14 of meshpack 12. End fitting 16 defines a recess adapted to receive aring-shaped bearing which prevents any leakage between mesh pack 12 andcore tube 20.

Mesh pack 12 acts as a filter for filter candle apparatus 10 and cancomprise a variety of metal weaves. Once filter candle apparatus 10 isassembled, as illustrated in FIG. 3, mesh pack 12 is easily removabletherefrom so it can be exchanged for another one when needed. Thisadvantageous feature lowers costs associated with replacement of thefilter element since only the mesh pack needs replacing. This costsavings will make the cleaning of the filter element further unjustifiedwhich will also avoid the handling of the dangerous cleaning chemicals.Should cleaning be desired, mesh pack 12 can be isolated during thecleaning process which results in an easier and more effective cleaningattributed to a longer on-stream life and more cleaning cycles of theelement.

A hollow core tube 20 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as adapted to be slidablypositioned within mesh pack 12. Core tube 20 defines a plurality ofopenings 22 therein, and core tube 20 has an end member 24 which isenlarged and which is adapted to engage end fitting 16 of mesh pack 12in a flush manner. Extending from end member 24 of core tube 20 is theend of core tube 20 which can be threaded so as to be fittable to othercomponents as illustrated by threaded end 25 in the preferredembodiment. Core tube 20 provides internal support for filter candleapparatus 10.

It is therefore seen that core tube 20 is designed to be slidablypositioned within mesh pack 12 through end fitting 16 and is adapted tobe slidably removed therefrom likewise. A ring-shaped bearing 26 isrecessively held within the recessed defined in end fitting 16 of meshpack 12 and is designed to engage core tube 20 proximate end member 24when core tube 20 is fitted within mesh pack 12. Ring-shaped bearing 26allows core tube 20 to be fitted within mesh pack 12 with end member 24and end fitting 16 forming a leak-proof seal. Ring-shaped bearing 26 canbe separated from mesh pack 12 in order to be re-used in a newlyacquired or cleaned mesh pack.

Further illustrated in FIG. 1 is an outer guard 28 which definesapertures 30 therein. Outer guard 28 is designed to fittingly receivemesh pack 12 such that mesh pack 12 fills the inner space defined byouter guard 28. When assembled in the preferred embodiment, the end ofcore tube 20 which is opposite threaded end 25 defines an openingtherein for receiving some type of fastening means such as screw 34 forsecuring core tube 20, mesh pack 12, and outer guard 28 together.

Various advantages exist by utilizing outer guard 28 with filter candleapparatus 10. Such advantages include protecting the inner componentssuch as mesh pack 12 and core tube 20 from mechanical damage andavoiding ballooning of any components, such as mesh pack 12, whenpressure is reversed. Some disadvantages also exist such as a loss ofeffective filter area and higher pressure losses. Accordingly, it isenvisioned according to this invention that filter candle apparatus 10can function without outer guard 28. The easy removability of outerguard 28 allows it to be used or removed as desired.

FIG. 2 of the drawings is a perspective view of filter candle apparatus10 in partially assembled form according to this invention. Asillustrated, core tube 20 is shown partially withdrawn from mesh pack 12and likewise, mesh pack 12 is illustrated as partially withdrawn fromouter guard 28. A significant advancement in the art of filter candleapparatuses exists in that core tube 20 and mesh pack 12 are separablefrom one another but can still perform as though the structure was anintegral structure by not allowing material filtered in through meshpack 12 and core tube 20 to leak from the seal formed by end member 24and end fitting 16. It is the ring-shaped bearing 26 that fits withinthe recess in end fitting 16 of mesh pack 12 that plays a significantrole in providing such a feature. In the preferred embodiment,ring-shaped bearing 26 defines an arcuate surface and is curved downwardtoward end fitting 16 of mesh pack 12 to provide a tight seal betweenend fitting 16 and end member 24 on core tube 20, whereby the sealbecomes tighter as pressure of material passing through core tube 20 isincreased. Core tube 20 as illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings definesan axial opening 32 extending therethrough for passage of materialthrough filter candle apparatus 10.

FIG. 3 of the drawings is a partial front elevational view of filtercandle apparatus 10 according to this invention. Filter candle apparatus10 is shown in its fully assembled embodiment with core tube 20positioned within mesh pack 12 which is positioned within outer guard28. Each of these separate components are secured together by screw 34which extends into core tube 20 through mesh pack 12 and outer guard 28.

Metal filtration media are used exclusively for all components in thepreferred embodiment of this invention. The use of metal filtrationmedia provides excellent features regarding strength, ability to be usedin a wide range of temperatures, chemical resistance, and ability toprovide for no media migration. Different metal media materials includeplain steel, alloyed steel, and non-ferrous materials such as bronze,copper and aluminum.

It is therefore seen that the present invention provides a novelfiltration device for polymer filtration. It is further seen that thepresent invention provides a filter candle apparatus with improvedcharacteristics and features for polymer filtration. Many otheradvantages and features will become apparent to one skilled in the artfrom a reading of the following appended claims.

That which is claimed:
 1. A filter candle apparatus comprising:anelongated mesh pack defining an axial opening therethrough, said meshpack having an end cap fixedly secured to one end and an end fittingfixedly secured to an end opposite said end cap, said end fittingdefining an opening therethrough co-axial with said axial opening ofsaid mesh pack and having a recess defined therein; a hollow core tubedefining a plurality of openings therein positioned within said axialopening of said mesh pack and being removably slidable therethrough,said core tube having an end member surrounding one end thereof, saidend member engaging said end fitting on said mesh pack; and aring-shaped bearing recessedly held within and by said recess of saidend fitting circumjacent to said opening defined by said end fitting,said ring-shaped bearing engaging said core tube proximate said endmember; wherein material can be filtered through said mesh pack and saidcore tube to pass into said core tube and exit through an axial openingdefined in one end thereof.
 2. A filter candle apparatus according toclaim 1 further including an outer guard defining apertures thereinadjacently surrounding said mesh pack.
 3. A filter candle apparatusaccording to claim 2 wherein said outer guard, said mesh pack and saidcore tube are securely held together by fastening means.
 4. A filtercandle apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said ring-shaped bearingdefines an arcuate surface.
 5. A filter candle apparatus according toclaim 4 wherein said arcuate surface curves downward toward said endfitting of said mesh pack to provide a tight seal between said endfitting and said end member on said core tube, whereby said seal becomestighter as pressure of material passing through said core tube isincreased.
 6. A filter candle apparatus according to claim 1 whereinsaid core tube is perforated.
 7. A filter candle apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein said core tube is threaded on said end proximate saidend member.